Larson the Danish darkhorse, everyone talking about Tryamkin and Stecher, Larson has no expectations, so with that he could surpass and surpise at training camp.Granted we still got to sign him this summer.

What a classy guy who gets it. Add in that fact that one of the reasons he wanted to turn pro was to help his parents. His father is ill and can't work and his mom holds down two jobs to make ends meet. He was pressuring himself to help them out. Parents said no, stay at UND if that's where your heart is. Canucks supported him all the way with whatever decision he made.

SKYO wrote:Larson the Danish darkhorse, everyone talking about Tryamkin and Stecher, Larson has no expectations, so with that he could surpass and surpise at training camp.Granted we still got to sign him this summer.

Like the rest of the world he seems to forget that Benning has said they will sign Larson on a one way contract, hopefully for 1-2 years, and give him a spot on the big club to prove he can play in the NHL. So he needs to be penciled in, whether 2nd pairing or 3rd pairing will work itself out at camp.

Like the rest of the world he seems to forget that Benning has said they will sign Larson on a one way contract, hopefully for 1-2 years, and give him a spot on the big club to prove he can play in the NHL. So he needs to be penciled in, whether 2nd pairing or 3rd pairing will work itself out at camp.

It's really hard to predict what the Nucks will do this summer, but I can almost guarantee this isn't it. There will be a number of other changes, both up front and on the back end. I feel like Trevor and Jim will be smart now and try to sign some decent FAs on short term contracts for depth, especially up front. The back end has quantity, not quality, especially if Hamhuis comes back.

I don't expect them to be very good next year as it will be another year of building. We are probably 2-3 years away from becoming a playoff team again.

I think Cullen was pretty bang on with his assessment of the organization and what poor shape it's in currently and moving forward. The prospect depth is getting better but it's still one of weaker groups in the league. I'm with you diehard this team is a MINIMUM of two to three years away from even contending for a playoff spot. There's a few mouth breathers around here who would have people believe that the Canucks will be back in the playoffs as early as next year but these people are delusional.

Scott Cullen lost me with his plan for next year however. I'm not sure there is a plan with this group. I guess we will find out in June/July.

How do WD/TG work together and would management create such a toxic work environment.

Assistants play the role of father/confessor and develop a far more personal relationship with players allowing head coaches to be a bit more distant and ruthless when tough choices need to be made. It is never an easy transition for an assistant to become head coach with the same team as the player coach dynamic also changes.

"Doug is just a real good man and I think he has great values," explained Desjardins. "I think he's really good with the players. He's played the game so I think he understands what it's like to be a player. When he works with the defence, he treats them right and with respect. I just like the way he approaches the game.

Lidster, 53, emphasized that forming a bond of trust with players is the most crucial element in coaching, no matter what level it is.

"You have to build that trust and relationship with the players," he noted. "When they know you have the same common goal and they can trust you, that's when your relationship starts.